Monday, April 30, 2007

Relatively Quiet Draft Day For Hokies

NEW YORK, NY - The 2007 Draft was held over this past weekend and for the Hokies draftees it was a relatively quiet affair. Though the Hokie presence was felt throughout the coverage, the Hokies sent only three players, through the draft, to the NFL this year.

Aaron Rouse was the only selection on day one of the draft. He was picked 26th in the third round (89th overall) by the Green Bay Packers. David Clowney (picked 20th in 5th round, 157th overall also by Green Bay) and Brandon Frye (picked 26th in the 5th round, 163 overall, by the Houston Texans) both were picked on the second day. These three were selected from a field of nine draft-eligible Hokies. Notably left out of draft day was place kicker Brandon Pace and defensive end Noland Burchette. It's likely these players may get picked up as undrafted players.

The Hokie Spirit was alive throughout the weekend. Everyone from the announcers, to the NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, to all players present like Calvin Johnson (2nd overall pick, Los Angeles Raiders, Georgia Tech) and Brady Quinn (22nd overall pick, Cleveland Browns, Notre Dame) all wore "VT" lapel pins in honor of the Hokies.

"We, the NFL, wanted to show our support," Goodell said prior to the opening of the draft on Saturday.

Frank Beamer was invited to the draft. Shadowed by former Tech stars Michael Vick, DeAngello Hall, and Bruce Smith, Beamer spoke on behalf of the Hokies at the Radio City Music Hall event.

"It all seems like a terrible nightmare," Smith, drafted by the Buffalo Bills in 1985, said."It still bothers me and affects me a great deal. Part of the therapy and healing process is being here and talking to other Hokies alumni. I can't imagine what the students had to endure. Their act of courage and survival instincts (was inspiring)."

Smith also announced the Bills first selection.

"God bless the Hokies," Smith said just before announcing Marshawn Lynch from Cal as the Bills first pick.